In the ongoing negotiations to amend the Montreal Protocol to phase-down the use of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), Intellectual Property Rights of substitute chemicals—mainly unsaturated HFCs (also called HFOs) and its blends—have become a major point of difference between developed and developing countries. Developing countries have expressed major concerns on this issue as two companies hold most of the patents to these chemicals, creating a monopoly. They have, therefore, asked for clarification and resolution of IPR issues before an amendment to the Montreal Protocol is adopted.

Centre for Science and Environment invites you to attend the press conference discussing the progress in drafting the climate change agreement and the likely Paris Outcome. CSE Director General Sunita Narain and Deputy Director General Chandra Bhushan will be present at the briefing. It would be held in Press Conference Room 3 which can be seen as a webcast through this link.

As the Paris talk shift gear and move towards closure, a coalition led by the United States and European Union has emerged and talks are heading for an agreement even though contentious issues are unresolved and continue to simmer.